21 Must-Try Prohibition Cocktails

The Gin Rickey is a classic cocktail that seamlessly combines the crispness of gin with the tangy zing of lime juice. With a delightful effervescence from a splash of seltzer, this drink offers a lively and invigorating experience. Served with a lime wheel garnish, it adds a visually appealing touch. Gin Rickey is best enjoyed on a warm summer day, as its vibrant flavors awaken the palate and provide a cooling sensation. Its simplicity and balance make it a go-to choice for gin enthusiasts and those seeking a light, citrusy drink. 

The Last Word cocktail, originating from the Prohibition era and experiencing a revival in recent years, is a harmonious blend of flavors that captivates the palate. Gin lays the foundation, offering its botanical and herbal notes, while maraschino liqueur adds a subtle sweetness and hints of cherry. The unique addition of green Chartreuse brings a complex herbal complexity, beautifully balanced by the bright acidity of freshly squeezed lime juice. Garnished with a brandied cherry, this cocktail exudes elegance and sophistication. Once a forgotten gem, the Last Word has regained popularity among cocktail enthusiasts for its intriguing combination of ingredients and its ability to create a truly memorable sipping experience.

The Aviation Cocktail, a classic drink that rose to prominence in the early 20th century, offers a delightful balance of flavors. Combining gin’s botanical essence with the subtle sweetness of maraschino liqueur and the delicate floral notes of crème de violette, it creates a captivating taste experience. Fresh lemon juice adds a stimulating acidity. While the addition of crème de violette may seem intimidating, the Aviation is simple to serve and enjoys widespread appeal. Best enjoyed in a chilled coupe glass, this elegant cocktail is perfect for those seeking a sophisticated and unique drinking experience.

Indulge in the Bee’s Knees cocktail, a delightful drink that combines the smoothness of gin with the sweetness of honey syrup and the tanginess of lemon juice. The gin brings its botanical essence, while the honey syrup adds a luscious, golden touch. The lemon juice provides a refreshing burst of citrus, balancing the flavors harmoniously. Served with a garnish of a lemon twist, it offers a visually appealing touch to complement its delectable flavor profile. This Prohibition-era classic holds a nostalgic charm with its vibrant taste and simplicity. The Bee’s Knees is a true crowd-pleaser, appealing to those who appreciate a well-rounded cocktail. 

Discover the captivating flavors of the Scofflaw cocktail, a Prohibition-era libation that intertwines the robustness of rye whiskey with the richness of French vermouth. Fresh lemon juice adds a vibrant tang, while orange bitters impart a subtle complexity. Completing the ensemble, grenadine offers a touch of sweetness, resulting in a well-balanced and memorable taste experience. Whether enjoyed as an aperitif or a nightcap, this classic drink transports you to the clandestine speakeasies of the 1920s.  Sip and savor the allure of The Scofflaw, and let its timeless appeal transport you to a bygone era of intrigue and indulgence.

The Stork Club cocktail blends the vibrant flavors of gin, orange liqueur, freshly squeezed orange juice, fresh lime juice, and a dash of Angostura bitters. The gin provides a botanical backdrop, while the orange liqueur and orange juice deliver a burst of citrusy sweetness. The lime juice adds a zesty tang, and the Angostura bitters contribute a subtle hint of complexity. The Stork Club cocktail is commonly served in a chilled coupe glass, allowing the drinker to appreciate its elegant presentation.  With each sip, you’ll experience a harmonious blend of citrus flavors, balanced by the botanical notes of gin and the subtle spice from the bitters.

The Sidecar cocktail is crafted with a delightful combination of Cognac, Triple Sec, and fresh lemon juice, setting it apart from other drinks. The use of Cognac, a fine French brandy, lends a rich and robust character, while the Triple Sec adds a citrusy sweetness that perfectly balances the tartness of the lemon juice. Served chilled, the Sidecar delivers a stimulating and invigorating experience. Its impeccable balance of flavors and the citrus twist garnish make it a true crowd-pleaser, perfect for both casual gatherings and special occasions. Raise a glass and toast to the timeless charm of the sidecar!

The Mary Pickford cocktail is a delightful blend of flavors that transports the palate to tropical bliss. With the tropical notes of white rum and the sweetness of pineapple juice, it offers a vibrant and fruity taste experience. The addition of grenadine and maraschino liqueur adds subtle complexity and a touch of elegance. Sip the Mary Pickford and be transported to a Caribbean paradise, where the sun, sand, and flavors of the tropics dance on your tongue. 

The White Lady cocktail, a classic drink that stands the test of time, brings together the boldness of London dry gin, the citrusy sweetness of triple sec, and the tangy brightness of freshly squeezed lemon juice. The addition of egg white creates a velvety texture, while sugar syrup balances the flavors with a touch of sweetness. Each ingredient contributes to the overall harmony of this cocktail, resulting in a sophisticated and well-balanced drinking experience. Raise a glass, embrace the timeless charm of the White Lady, and let its captivating flavors whisk you away to a world of cocktail elegance. Cheers to the White Lady!

The French 75 cocktail combines the fizz of champagne with the botanical essence of gin, enhanced by the tangy notes of lemon juice and a touch of sweetness from simple syrup. Originating in France during World War I, it gained popularity in the legendary Harry’s New York Bar in Paris. Known for its sparkling and refreshing character, the French 75 has become a beloved classic, enjoyed on special occasions and celebrated for its elegant and celebratory nature. Sip on a French 75 and experience the harmonious blend of flavors that has delighted cocktail enthusiasts for decades.

The Hemingway Daiquiri cocktail, named after the renowned writer Ernest Hemingway, offers a refreshing and tangy twist to the classic daiquiri. Combining the brightness of lime juice, the vibrant citrus of grapefruit juice, the smoothness of white rum, and the subtle sweetness of maraschino liqueur, this drink is a harmonious blend of flavors. While it may require a few ingredients, it is simple to serve and can be enjoyed by everyone. Serve over ice, garnish with a lime slice, and savor the invigorating taste of the Hemingway Daiquiri on a warm day or at any occasion that calls for a tropical-inspired delight.

The Twelve Mile Limit cocktail is a bold and complex drink that combines the intensity of Wray & Nephew overproof rum, the robustness of rye whiskey, and the elegance of cognac. The grenadine adds a touch of sweetness, while the fresh lemon juice provides a bright and tangy citrus note. The result is a harmonious fusion of flavors where the richness of the spirits is balanced by acidity and subtle sweetness. The Twelve Mile Limit is a drink that showcases the creativity and ingenuity of mixology during a period of restriction and innovation.

The Ward Eight cocktail, a classic drink with a touch of nostalgia, combines the richness of rye whiskey with the tangy brightness of lemon and orange juices. The addition of grenadine offers a subtle sweetness that balances the flavors. Served with speared cherries, it presents a visually appealing and flavorful experience. The Ward Eight cocktail is an ideal choice for celebratory occasions, adding a sophisticated touch to cocktail parties and special gatherings. Its vibrant citrus flavors and harmonious blend of ingredients make it a versatile and crowd-pleasing drink. Cheers to Ward Eight!

The Hanky Panky cocktail combines the robust flavors of sweet vermouth and gin with the herbal complexity of Fernet-Branca. Each ingredient contributes to the overall taste profile, with the vermouth offering a sweet and aromatic character, the gin adding a botanical freshness, and the Fernet-Branca providing a bold and bitter note. This cocktail is commonly served in a chilled cocktail glass, allowing the flavors to mingle and develop. When you take a sip of the Hanky Panky, you’ll experience a delightful blend of sweet, herbal, and bitter flavors with a lingering complexity that unfolds on the palate. Indulge in the mysterious allure of the Hanky Panky cocktail, a drink that excites the senses and intrigues the palate. 

The Old Fashioned cocktail is crafted with Angostura bitters, orange wedges, a sugar cube, your favorite brandy, and a splash of club soda, Sprite, or a similar soda. What sets it apart from other drinks is its timeless simplicity and focus on highlighting the rich flavors of the brandy, complemented by the aromatic hints of orange and the warmth of bitters. Traditionally served without ice, the Brandy Old Fashioned allows the flavors to meld and develop, offering a smooth and sophisticated drinking experience. With its minimalistic yet exquisite combination of flavors, it’s a perfect choice for those seeking a sophisticated and flavorful drink.

The Monkey Gland cocktail blends the herbal notes of absinthe with the botanical richness of gin, balanced by the vibrant citrus flavor of orange juice and a touch of sweetness from grenadine. It offers a complex and harmonious taste profile, where the distinct flavors of each ingredient come together in a delightful symphony. The Monkey Gland cocktail is a favorite for those who appreciate a balanced and intriguing concoction that brings together the best of herbal, citrus, and botanical elements.

The Jack Rose cocktail combines the rich and fruity notes of apple brandy with the sweetness of grenadine and the tangy brightness of lemon juice. The apple brandy forms the backbone of the drink, providing depth and complexity, while the grenadine adds a touch of sweetness, and the lemon juice balances it all with a refreshing acidity. Together, these ingredients create a harmonious and well-rounded drink that is sure to tantalize the taste buds. Indulge in the classic allure of the Jack Rose cocktail and let its flavors transport you to a world of timeless sophistication. 

The Highball cocktail is a delightful and versatile libation that combines the robust flavors of whiskey with the effervescence of ginger ale or club soda. The whiskey imparts its distinctive character, ranging from smoky to smooth, while the carbonated element adds a light and crisp quality. Originating in the late 19th century, the Highball gained popularity as a go-to drink for its simplicity and ability to showcase the flavor nuances of different whiskies. Whether enjoyed at a casual gathering or a sophisticated affair, the Highball remains a timeless classic that continues to captivate whiskey enthusiasts around the world.

The Southside cocktail is delightfully simple to serve, making it accessible to both novice and experienced mixologists. Combining the crispness of gin, the tanginess of lime juice, the sweetness of simple syrup, and the refreshing aroma of mint, it offers a well-balanced and invigorating flavor profile. This cocktail is versatile and appeals to a wide range of palates. To fully enjoy the Southside, one can muddle the fresh mint leaves gently to release their essential oils, shake the ingredients with ice, and strain into a chilled glass, garnishing with a sprig of mint for an added touch of freshness. Sip and savor the cool and vibrant essence of the Southside.

The Boulevardier cocktail is a classic drink that tantalizes the taste buds with its unique combination of bourbon, Campari, and sweet vermouth. The bourbon lends a rich and robust flavor with notes of caramel and oak, providing a solid foundation for the cocktail. Campari adds a bitter and citrusy twist, infusing the drink with tantalizing complexity. The sweet vermouth brings a touch of herbal sweetness, perfectly balancing the flavors and adding depth to the overall profile. Together, these ingredients create a cocktail that is bold, sophisticated, and full of character. Whether you’re a seasoned cocktail connoisseur or a curious beginner, the Boulevardier is a must-try drink that showcases the artistry of mixology.